The Power of Taking Responsibility

The Power of Taking Responsibility

“The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That’s the day we truly grow up.” —John C. Maxwell

It is very easy to blame others for things that happen in our lives that we don’t like. Children are masters at blaming others. If you were to ask two fighting children who started the argument, they both would inevitably point their fingers at each other without hesitation. Why do children do that? The answer is simple, really: it’s so much easier to blame others than to take responsibility for our own side of the situation.

Some people may wonder why we should even bother to take responsibility for ourselves. Well, the truth is that when we take responsibility for ourselves, we are actually empowering ourselves. When we take responsibility, we are no longer giving our power away to anyone or anything.

The next question then, is—-how do we do take responsibility for ourselves? We do this by being aware of how our own thoughts, feelings, and issues impact the people around us. Once we have this awareness, we can choose certain behaviors that either enhance or hurt ourselves and others. Remember: we always have the power to choose how we think and behave, so we might as well choose those things that create more joy and love in our lives.

Call to Action!

This week, notice the times when you find yourself blaming others. Simply observe your behavior with neutrality and without judgment. How does it feel? Do you feel more or less empowered? Next, see if you can think of an alternative way to think or behave in the same situation, one that brings you a greater sense of inner power. Then go and do it!